expurgation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the deletion of objectionable parts from a literary work
    castration.

WordNet

Ex`pur*ga"tion noun
Etymology
L. expurgatio justification, excuse: cf. F. expurgation.
Definitions
  1. The act of expurgating, purging, or cleansing; purification from anything noxious, offensive, sinful, or erroneous. Milton.

Webster 1913